Wallabies coach Joe Schmidt addresses elephant in the room as contract call looms

Wallabies coach Joe Schmidt says he will make a call in December on whether he wants to continue with Australia until the 2027 Rugby World Cup on home soil.

Schmidt's contract ends after the British and Irish Lions tour in July next year.

"It's something I know I have to make a decision on," Schmidt told the Sydney Morning Herald.

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"And it is something I have committed to making a decision on post-Spring Tour, and before we get too far into December."

Schmidt said he would talk to wife Kelly and son Luke - who has severe epilepsy - before making the call.

The New Zealander has spent time at home in Taupo for family reasons this year while juggling his coaching commitments.

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"I would have to say I have thoroughly enjoyed the experience and the players and the staff, and the challenge that it's been," he said.

"It won't be for a lack of enjoyment. It is just trying to be as stable as possible. I think since I started I have had six, eight and 10 days in New Zealand in three different spells.

"And the rest has been on the road or in Australia.

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"So it is just probably getting that somehow balanced."

If Schmidt were to move on, Rugby Australia would likely turn to Brumbies coach Stephen Larkham or Reds boss Les Kiss.

But they are desperately hoping Schmidt will stay after the world class coach masterminded wins over England and Wales to ignite hopes of an unlikely Grand Slam.